Space race heats up: Russia's new high-speed plasma rocket can reach Mars in just 60 days

Russia Unveils Plasma Electric Rocket Engine to Cut Mars Travel Time. (Image: @konstructivizm/X)

Russia has introduced a plasma electric rocket engine that could transform space travel. This technology may reduce the journey to Mars to just 30-60 days. Current missions take nearly a year, making this a major shift in exploration.

The engine operates by accelerating ions using a strong electric field. Unlike chemical rockets, it relies on hydrogen, making it fuel-efficient. It can reach speeds of 195,000 miles per hour while generating 300 kW of power. This system also limits astronauts’ exposure to harmful cosmic radiation.

#Rosatom developed a plasma rocket engine prototype for faster space travel Projected speed: 360'000 km/hTo put things into perspective, with this tech #Gagarin wouldve orbited Earth in ~7 minsWanna get to Mars in 1 month instead of 1 year? Rosatoms got your back! pic.twitter.com/Jvvis0N6f9
Russia (@Russia) February 20, 2025

Pros and Challenges of Plasma Propulsion

Pros:

• Faster Travel: Mars trips could take weeks instead of a year.
• Fuel Efficiency: Hydrogen use reduces fuel weight and volume.
• Radiation Safety: Shorter missions mean less cosmic radiation exposure.

Challenges:

• Complex Development: The technology needs further research before use.
• Energy Demand: It requires a strong power source like nuclear reactors.